Responsibilities of Pedestrians

As a pedestrian you should always use good judgment and not interrupt the flow of traffic. Crossing streets without any concern for traffic rules or signals is called jaywalking. Many jurisdictions prohibit jaywalking and you could be cited. Besides, it is extremely dangerous and can result in injuries.

You must not suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is close enough to be a danger to you. This is true even if you are in a crosswalk. Always obey traffic signals. Many intersections have signals that show the words WALK or DON'T WALK or show the upraised hand or walker signs. Some intersections have only street traffic lights. Whether there are signals or street traffic lights, you must follow them.

When a signal changes to green or WALK for you, you must look left and right and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that was in the intersection before the signal changed. If the signal changes to DON'T WALK (or an upraised hand) after you have gone part way across a divided street, proceed quickly to a sidewalk or safety island and wait there until the signal permits you to continue.

At an uncontrolled intersection, pedestrians should be careful and watch out for any oncoming traffic. In most states, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to you within any crosswalk, marked or unmarked. However, do not stop or delay traffic unnecessarily while crossing a street.

Pedestrians are not permitted on any toll bridge or highway crossing unless there is a sidewalk with signs stating that pedestrians are permitted to use it.